Music Bar Priatelia bouncers (source: Courtesy of Miguel Gonzales)
Over the weekend a post by a member of our International community in Bratislava caused quite the viral effect in social media and also was noticed by print media. If you are not aware yet of this situation, I'm referring to the case where security staff of a nightclub denied entry, made racist remarks and even mocked this citizen by performing some type of monkey dance impersonations.
Now I can say that from living five years in Bratislava, I never witnessed or experienced such type of behaviour against me. That is not to say that we have not heard of stories where many foreigners comment on the behavior of Slovaks toward them. Cases, like this, of bigot-ism and closed-mindedness exist in every part of the world. Let's not be quick to judge that a foreigner should feel threatened or insecure to live in Slovakia. I can honestly say that safety is one of my favorite reasons why I like this city.
No, what is very particular about this case, and I want to commend people who are taking part in it, is that in this occasion there wasn't that feeling of resignation, the "what can we do it happens all the time" feeling. What we are seeing is an incredible reaction by the International community living in Slovakia and a great support from Slovaks as well who protested against this type of behaviour. The amount of comments denouncing this establishment and its staff's behaviour has been noted and this give us hope that in the future situations like this are brought to light.
Change may not happen soon in regards to the closed-mindedness of some individuals and also considering some of the recent comments in regards to what is happening in Europe as a whole currently. But it is a fantastic sight to see the support and unity that we seeing between foreigners and Slovaks, it is possible and we are seeing a glimpse of it right now.
By Diego Loyola - InterNations Bratislava Ambassador
